Lily’s Second Chance

Foxhound Guide: Traits, Size, Care and Adoption

Overview of the foxhound type

Foxhound is a type rather than a single breed, so a dog listed as foxhound may be a mix and its exact ancestry is uncertain. The closest breeds to this type are the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound, and the AKC places both in the Hound Group.

Where did foxhounds come from?

The United Kennel Club says the English Foxhound was developed in Great Britain to trail the red fox during mounted hunts. According to the United Kennel Club, colonial America is where the American Foxhound was developed, with the English Foxhound serving as its base.

Foxhound size and weight

The AKC lists both the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound in the Large size category. For weight, the AKC gives 65-70 pounds for male American Foxhounds and 60-65 pounds for females, while for the English Foxhound it gives 60-75 pounds. The AKC gives a height of 22-25 inches for male American Foxhounds and 21-24 inches for females, and 24 inches for the English Foxhound. Individual mixed dogs listed as foxhound can differ from these figures.

Foxhound temperament and personality: are foxhounds good family dogs?

The AKC describes the American Foxhound as independent, easy-going and sweet-tempered, and the English Foxhound as sociable, affectionate and gentle. The AKC rates both the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound 5 of 5 for child compatibility. VCA says foxhounds raised in the home tend to be easygoing, calm and gentle, and often good with children, other dogs and other pets. VCA also notes that American Foxhounds tend to be pack-oriented and are more content with at least one other dog. The United Kennel Club describes the English Foxhound as friendly and not aggressive, and VCA describes the American Foxhound as accepting of everyone, including other dogs. These descriptions apply to those breeds, and an individual dog of this type may differ.

Exercise and noise

The AKC rates energy 4 of 5 for both the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound. VCA says foxhounds were bred to run for miles and need a good jog or a long walk every day, and that they are agreeable as long as they get enough exercise. The AKC rates vocalization 5 of 5 for both, and VCA notes that they tend to bark when excited and may bay. VCA warns that an American Foxhound following a scent can end up near skunks, porcupines or highway traffic.

Do foxhounds shed? Grooming needs

The AKC rates shedding 3 of 5 for both the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound. The AKC describes the American Foxhound's coat as short and smooth and the English Foxhound's as short and double, and rates grooming frequency 1 of 5 for both. VCA suggests a hound's glove or soft brush to remove dead hair on the American Foxhound. VCA says the English Foxhound's coat needs only occasional brushing, plus nail clipping, tooth cleaning and keeping the floppy ears clean and dry.

Foxhound training

VCA says the English Foxhound was not bred to follow human orders, so training works best when combined with play or treats and kept to short sessions. VCA describes the American Foxhound as excelling at scent games and field trials, and as finding formal obedience boring beyond house manners. The AKC rates trainability 3 of 5 for the American Foxhound and 4 of 5 for the English Foxhound.

Foxhound health issues and lifespan

VCA says hip dysplasia has been reported occasionally in the English Foxhound and that breeding stock should have hips screened. For the American Foxhound, VCA says hip dysplasia and spinal degeneration can occur, with some deafness and blood disorders occasionally appearing. Ask a veterinarian what to watch for in an individual dog. The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 11-13 years for the American Foxhound and 10-13 years for the English Foxhound.

Foxhound adoption and foxhound rescue

If you want to adopt a foxhound, remember that Lily's Second Chance lists dogs cared for by other organizations, and a listing may describe a mix. VCA notes that neither foxhound has been popular as a pet, and that foxhounds were long bred for pack life in a kennel, with few living as house dogs.

Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 9, 2026.

References

Senior Foxhound dogs looking for homes

Each dog is listed by the shelter or rescue named on the card. Please confirm availability with them.

Senior confirmed
Photo of Bailey, adoptable senior Foxhound in Brooklyn, New York

Bailey

Foxhound / Chow Chow mix • Male • Medium • 7 years

Meet Bailey — our 60-pound foxhound chow mixed lovebug with the sweetest surprise: a perfect little heart marking on his back to match the giant one i…

Twenty Paws Rescue • Brooklyn, NY

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